It's All Over the Evening News

[Laxman]

Somebody could walk into this room and say your life is on fire
It's all over the evening news
All about the fire in your life on the evening news.

Paul Simon- Crazy Love, Vol. II

The complexities of the parent-child relationship have been explored since the dawn of civilization. From the Bible to Shakespeare to Everybody Loves Raymond every angle has likely been covered. I know that I benefit from the guidance and care given by my parents just as assuredly as I suffer from their shortcomings. As a parent I hope that I don't visit the consequences of my shortcomings on my children. No matter what, however, I am guided in my decision making by what is best for my family and my kids. Which leads to the true life-lessons of the trials and tribulations of Bristol Palin.

The news of her teenage pregnancy should not reflect poorly on her. This happens every day in America and has happened every day since there was an America. Kids make decisions and take impulsive actions and sometimes there are consequences. The difference is that every other teenager who gets pregnant does not have that fact broadcast around the world with the ensuing judgments and hand-wringing. It could have been me any my girlfriend. It could be my own children in a few years. Hell, it could have been my parents before they were married. She is paying a far steeper price than most because of decisions made by adults. Decisions that are far more damning and illustrative of character than the plight that young Ms. Palin finds herself in.

So, who are the villains in this morality play? Let's start with her mother. When faced with the prospect of joining the national ticket as the vice-presidential candidate what decision making process did Sarah Palin undertake? Surely she had to know that this news would make world-wide headlines. Was her daughter consulted before being exposed in the national spotlight. What kind of parent would subject a child to this kind of scrutiny? This in itself speaks volumes about the elder Ms. Palin's character, or lack thereof. To place your own ambition over the welfare of your child is vile and inexcusable. To be so blinded by personal ambition and career advancement that you would place your own daughter into the meat grinder of the media machine in this light is testament to the type of person that Sarah Palin is.

Next up is John "Country Before Self" McCain. If indeed he is telling the truth and did know about this pregnancy before choosing Ms. Palin as his running mate, did he consider the consequences to this young woman? Combine this with the calculating reasoning behind his selection of Ms. Palin to pander to certain constituencies and his mercenary character is harshly revealed as well. If some reports are to be believed and this is part of some Machiavellian attempt to maneuver himself into a position where he can nominate one of his true first choices, Lieberman or Ridge, then this is beyond detestable. If you can throw a pregnant out-of-wedlock seventeen year old under the bus to get what you want is there any morality to his decision making?

Politicians make decisions and take actions that result in collateral damage all of the time. When you are willingly causing that collateral damage to a family member, your own daughter, you have no shame and no character. Likewise, for Mr. McCain to follow such a course and cause pain, heartache and embarrassment to another for your own gain is equally reprehensible. Who among us would want our darkest secrets exposed for all to see? Who among us could handle such treatment as adults let alone as teenagers? Truly, "all about the fire in your life on the evening news". Compound this treatment with the fact that it was caused by the ambition and calculation of others. This just isn't right.

As this little passion play continues to unfold the focus should in no way be on Bristol Palin. She is just collateral damage in this tale. The real spotlight should shine on both Senator McCain and Governor Palin. If there is a way for this story to be told that turns our attention away from the sordid and titillating tale of an all too typical teenager's story to the more important exposure of the lack of judgment and character exhibited by the Republican's choices for president and vice-president, then let it be done. Make no mistake about it, this episode clearly demonstrates that neither McCain nor Palin is fit for higher public office.

[norepubsin08]

1. I STILL THINK THAT

THE FATHER OF BRISTOL'S BABY IS SARAH'S HUSBAND TODD. Happens all the time in fundy families, that part of the reason why they are so bat shit crazy!!!

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

2. Save that stuff for the tabloids

I think the point of the post is that we don't even have to go there. The sordid details are good for the National Enquirer set but the lack of judgment and morals is the real story.